After a clean sweep on the ground, the Philippine women’s football team successfully booked a ticket in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup after defeating Hong Kong, 2-1, to rule the Group F of the qualifiers.
The Marlin Maro-coached team got some rhythm after a 2-0 start in the prestigious sporting event.
The Pinay booters have a sluggish start in the opening but managed to stage a comeback over Nepal and continued their streak against Hong Kong.
Leading the assault, Tahnai Annis delivered the country’s first goal against Nepal and contributed another goal together with Chandler McDaniel.
It was a come-from-behind victory for the Filipinos after Hong Kong first scored in the game at 61st minute, courtesy of Chung Pui Ki. Answering the call, McDaniel boxed the net to set a goal of her own 27 minutes after the match was deadlocked.
The recent victory gave PH Malditas to be one of the 12 qualified teams that are set to compete for the last five spots in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Philippines will advance to the FC Women’s Asian Cup for the second straight year and 10th overall.
Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president and Ilonggo Mariano Araneta was excited upon hearing the news and assures the team of needed support for the tournament next year in India.
” We are truly delighted by this remarkable achievement by our Philippine women’s national team. Qualification to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup is a testament to the hard work and sacrifice made by the players and the coaching staff and the support of sponsors and stakeholders,,” said Araneta.
The other two teams in Group F, Nepal and Hong Kong, finished the qualifiers with one point apiece and were both eliminated.IMT Sports
